Research interests: 

Pure and applied mineralogy, geochemistry and metallogenesis. This work has ranged from experimental investigations to field studies. The mineralogical investigations have focussed on the chalcogenides (esp. sulfides) and magnetic oxides, using experimental synthesis combined with spectroscopic analysis, including synchrotron XAS and diffractiontechniques.

The main research area of my group is Environmental Chemistry, and in particular, the interaction of radionuclides with natural systems. Current projects involve the study of the interaction of these elements with natural colloids, including humic substances. Colloids have a high affinity for many pollutants, and can act as a vector for their migration in the environment. Lab experiments are used to study sorption and desorption mechanisms, and are backed up by work involving real samples from the field.

My research interests lie in the area of coordination chemistry and spectroscopy of the f-elements. Current research in the group centres on the development of an understanding of the chemistry and electronic properties of the actinide ions in unusual oxidation states.

Current work involves the coupling of thermodynamic models, based on Calphad methods, to novel kinetic models, enabling the time and temperature dependence of the microstructure (particularly second phase particles) to be determined for complex industrial alloys and processes. Such an approach is being used to predict microstructure evolution and subsequent effect on properties for a range of aluminium, magnesium, and zirconium alloys during processes such as hot rolling and welding. Applications for these materials include the automotive, aerospace, and nuclear industries.